Overnight Hunt for Terrorist who Shot Child

Residents of Psagot told to stay indoors as IDF hunts for terrorist who attacked girl, 9.

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Maayana Miskin, 06/10/13 08:15

IDF in Psagot

Israel news photo: Flash 90

A massive manhunt took place overnight for the terrorist who shot and wounded a nine-year-old girl in the Israeli community of Psagot in the Binyamin region.

Residents of Psagot were ordered to remain in their homes in case the terrorist was still at large in the community. They were finally allowed to go outdoors in the early hours of Sunday morning.

During the course of the night IDF soldiers scoured the area, assisted by trackers. At this point the terrorist has apparently not been captured.

Security personnel believe the terrorist may have had help in the form of a get-away driver. A break was found in Psagot's security fence through which he may have entered the community.

The nine-year-old victim was shot in the neck as she played on the balcony of her family’s home. It was initially unclear if she had been shot or stabbed, but her testimony along with medical findings made it clear that she had been hit by a bullet at close range.

The girl was initially in serious condition, but following intensive medical care, her condition has been upgraded to light-to-moderate, meaning doctors believe her life is out of danger.

Schools in Psagot will be open as usual on Sunday. Palestinian Authority Arabs will not be allowed into the town or into the neighboring community of Kochav Yaakov for the day, for security reasons.